Almost everyone has a dream that they dream of realizing. But before he can do that, he has a hard way to go. But the trials will not end there, because, perhaps, for the sake of fulfilling the desire, you will have to pay the highest price. This idea is at the heart of the musical drama “Dream Girls”.
Synopsis America, 1960s. A vocal trio of young charming girls during the next participation in the competition attracts the attention of an aspiring producer, who immediately takes them under his wing, promising a brilliant future. Soon his promise comes true, but, having received the long-awaited fame, the girls do not manage to find real happiness.
In fact, the film is characterized by a strong emotional performance of actors, whose performances were reinforced by their musical numbers. Of the entire cast, I would, first of all, single out Jennifer Hudson, who played the role of Effie, a proud and strong character soloist, not used to playing the second part, and therefore ready to sacrifice her career. I would also like to mention Eddie Murphy, who finally played not a comic, but quite a serious dramatic role of a professional singer who tries to drown out his failures with another portion of heroin.
From the point of view of directing, the film turned out to be very stylish, atmospheric and attractive, but too glamorous and naive. Director Bill Condon managed to convey the mood of the colorful and rhythmic era of the 60s with its winding songs and stormy mores. At the same time, the director tried to convey the true face of show business, where artists do not have real freedom, but are in fact the property of producers who suppress their stars as ordinary people, making them even more miserable. It would have looked much more realistic if not for the glamorous presentation of the director, for whom it was fundamentally important to make spectacular rather than realistic.
Still, the most successful and strong side of the film is its script. It is noteworthy that it is not based on the history of any real musical group, but is pure fiction, invented by the director himself. Rather, the plot of the film is a compilation of all those tragic stories of new stars who dreamed of realizing their dreams, but in the end got not the most expected result. So, in “Dream Girls” the main characters were friends “not spilling water”, but competition and a mad desire to be the first to separate their fates on the sides. But the naive Bill Condon concludes this story with universal forgiveness and the restoration of an old, strong friendship.
Result Of course, “Dreamgirls” is a very stylish and atmospheric movie, and its music is full of sincere emotions. At the same time, a fairly simple story about gaining fame and a crushing fall is unlikely to surprise the modern viewer. But still, you continue to follow the story of heroines who, full of confidence and hope, followed their dreams.
Switching channels, I accidentally came across Eddie Murphy and Beyoncé in one movie, and then made a few more discoveries for myself.
It turned out that the action takes place in racist America of the mid-twentieth century, and was told about the girl group and the path of the participants. I think you can tell the details of the plot, since everyone probably knows this story approximately.
The trio, of course, turned out beautiful, here the merit of Hudson and her vote. By the way, this actress surprised me the most. Not only was she a singer, so she received an Oscar and so transformed after the film.
Yes, the times in the picture are not the best for the colored population of America. Our heroes were able to overcome all the difficulties. They were helped by the producers or who Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy were.
In general, as always happens, quantity side by side with quality has done its job. I mean, I don't think these talented singers would have been successful individually without the support of the producers. There are many factors and reasons for this, plus they are black. At the time, it was difficult.
And yet a trio of girls made it. They glittered. People began to listen to them. It seems to me that their appearance and popularity became an outlet for the entire colored population of America at that time, especially blacks. These girls probably inspired such people with their performances. Looking at the brilliant, accepted by the public, beautiful girls singing under the light of lights, probably, people were inspired by possible changes.
The picture very correctly shows the main points of the show business of that time, and ours. It will probably get a lot worse.
Having gone through a lot together, starting their work as a girl’s dream, they achieved success, but it led to the loss of their former nature. Over time, the girls were influenced by this very time, envy, money, rivalry. In my opinion, the only person who could control himself for the good of the case was the one who seemed to be dating Murphy's hero. She was the only one to follow the path chosen from the beginning, of course having changed a little. This is indicative of the essence of the show business.
Regarding the staging of individual scenes and the situation in general, I liked the performances made brilliantly, the life is shown to be dull. I think the filmmakers paid attention to the situation of the time and tried to achieve similarities, both people and things.
I think it turned out to be a great picture worth watching. Everything is done qualitatively. I loved it.
To be honest, I am surprised by the high ratings of this film. Yes, good vocals, good numbers, some actors worked perfectly, but this does not save the situation. Now in order.
Plot. He's not. How? Here we go. There is simply a general theme that unites events within the framework of the picture, but this can only be called a plot with a huge stretch. We are shown only individual episodes from the life of the vocal trio “Dream”: here they participate in the next competition of amateur performers, here they sing with the famous singer Jimi Earley (played by Eddie Murphy), here there is a conflict between two vocalists for the championship in the group and everything like that. All these moments looked somehow very disparate, there is no clear cause-and-effect relationship that connected them into a single story.
Heroes. Here, in my opinion, the problem is the same as with the plot, or rather, one problem stems from another. In "Dream Girls" there is no main character as such, and it was through him that it was possible to create a good plot canvas. Let me recall another musical with Christina Aguilera, Burlesque. The story in it is more than simple, but it is and unfolds just with the main character, around her, hence the integrity and cohesion of this musical, giving organicity to everything that happens. In "Girls" the characters are full, and we see all sorts of in development. Wayward Effie (the brilliant role of Jennifer Hudson), who has the strongest voice, but because of her character leaves the band. The right Dina, who became the lead singer of the band. What Beyoncé played to me is a mystery, kind of, to portray a pawn in the hands of a crafty producer, and in the end to see, but it turns out very unconvincing. The third girl (I don’t remember her name) has been in love with Murphy’s character for years. That same Murphy wants to sing about feelings, but the evil producer in Curtis, played by Jimi Foxx, does not give him, as it is not profitable. Curtis himself goes before us the way from a good smart guy to a greedy and unscrupulous showbiz tycoon. His character, like Hudson, seems to me the most convincing.
As a result, about each little bit, about everything a little and turns porridge from concert numbers and personal experiences of numerous heroes. It was also very boring to watch.
In general, in my opinion, it was possible to bet on Effie (Hudson) in this film, tell her story, and through it, the story of the band and other characters, and could turn out a good movie. As they say, we have what we have.
By far the main highlight of this film is actress Jennifer Hudson, who, in turn, received an Oscar for best supporting role. Her voice is the strongest and most fascinating in this film, unlike Beyoncé, which attracts, for the most part, with its appearance.
The plot wishes the best, love connections between all the characters of the film do not cause any interest, and the procession of dreamgirls to the top of fame goes along a very banal path.
Musical lovers should watch this film and appreciate its main advantages, but if you expect great emotions, then this is not what will give you them.
Dramatic musical Bill Condon “Dreamgirls” decided to watch because of his love for Beyoncé Knowles and the film, to be honest, did not disappoint. The story of the rise and fall of the musical trio "Dreamer" - Dina (Beyonce), Effie (Jennifer Hudson) and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose) - is filmed simply stunningly beautifully by director Bill Condon, conveying the unique era of the 60s even in small details. Of course, the film has some glossy and clip color in the cinematography of Tobias Schlissler, but this does not spoil the picture, delivering a purely aesthetic pleasure when viewing.
Acting in the tape attracts attention immediately, especially the characters of Jennifer Hudson (the Oscar award is well deserved, because her heroine Effie soon becomes the main character in the development of the plot of the tape), Jamie Foxx (ambitious producer Curtis, one of the key characters of the picture), Danny Glover and Eddie Murphy, who appeared in this film in an unexpected image and showed that he is able to play drama.
Each song in the tape is a masterpiece of jazz and rhythm and blues. Especially I want to mention the compositions “Only one night” in the dramatic performance of Jennifer Hudson and “Listen” performed by Beyoncé, although all the songs of the film deserve to be loved.
“Dream Girls” is a beautiful, colorful musical that should definitely appeal to fans of the genre and fans of retro.
10 out of 10
I love modern musicals where all the characters speak the language of songs, music and dance. "Dreamgirls" I've watched two hundred times and all the time I had the same feeling when watching it - as if I was watching it for the first time. This is not just the story of a musical trio, it is a story about justice, betrayal, love, family and friendship. Bright, incendiary, vital - all this is a film "Dream Girls".
Director Bill Condon and his team perfectly captured the spirit of the time when songs were easily stolen and also easily sung, when race was much more important than it is now.
The heroines of the film are 3 girls who are eager to go on stage, sing songs and light up the hall. They go to their dreams, passing not only through glitter and tinsel, but also through many obstacles. Of course, there were losses, but what can not do for the sake of a dream to become famous. Their fates were intertwined with new and famous people, but they never forgot about the family.
Actors. From the very first second I was crazy about Jennifer Hudson, who played Effie White. This is really the premiere - chic vocals, nice appearance and explosive character. Effy, of course, the star of this film.
Beyonce, as always, charming, attractive and cute. Despite Hudson's powerful vocals, Beyoncé didn't look "a singer from a nearby bar," she looked decent. Her character is Dean Jones, a very calm girl who is not obsessed with being an unconditional leader, like Effie, she is always ready to help.
Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx were very convincing. Eddie in the role of the crazy singer Jimmy Earley was simply inimitable. He's a great singer who depends on the stage. In the course of events, his character acquires a completely different role, which becomes even more interesting. Jamie Foxx - a wonderful singer and actor. No one could have given us Curtis Taylor better. He knows how to “sell” a group and knows how to make money.
The soundtrack of this film is something incredible. The music is so lively and real, daring and penetrating to the depths of the soul. After watching, I immediately downloaded the entire album, and listening, goosebumps run over my body. There is no need to look for subtext in these songs, because the words speak for themselves. The voices of actors are divine! They make hearts flutter and watch this movie over and over again.
Certainly
The other day I watched the movie "Dream Girls" on TV, I have been going to see this film for several years, I thought I would see something really worthwhile, but I did not like this film. It didn’t capture me from the first minute of viewing and didn’t make any impression on me at all. The film tells about the ascent to the musical Olympus of the group, in which she sang, the famous singer at the time - Dina Jones. I haven’t seen a movie, it’s really about nothing. If we talk about the musical accompaniment, then, in my opinion, there is not a single hit here, personally I did not like or remember any song. I love the genre - musical, but this film in this genre I found boring and not interesting. Nowadays, such films are not particularly popular, given the modern possibilities of cinema, although there are exceptions: the film Moulin Rouge or my favorite musical Chicago with its brilliant idea and a great plot, and in the film Dream Girls there is no special plot. And in general, the genre - the musical I associate most with the films of the golden age of Hollywood, in the days of my favorite Marilyn and Betty Grable! To watch the musical “Dream Girls” in 2006, I was pushed by the fact that it plays one of my favorite singers – Beyonce Knowles. It was for her that I watched this “creation” of cinema, which received an Oscar for best supporting actress. But the Oscar was not won by Beyoncé. Beyoncé’s play did not impress me, it is difficult to call her an actress, and in general on the screen she looks faded and imperceptible. But as a singer, Beyoncé is very fond, and I would rather listen to her albums, which are on my shelf, than look at her talentless performance in the movies. Oddly enough, the failed films “Crossroads” with Britney Spears and “Glitter” with Maraei Carey I liked much more than “Dreamgirls”! And I liked the movie singers more than Beyoncé, especially Britney. Beyoncé is a singer and has nothing to do in movies. I would never watch Dream Two again, maybe after watching movies like Avatar, Black Lightning and Bodyguard the other day, this musical seemed boring and sleepy to me... Maybe... I don’t like the movie “Dream Girls” and the music from it either. Conclusion: Watch Beyonce in the clips. I'll give you a score of 6, considering it's an Oscar. . .